PS4 Virtual Reality Headset to be Revealed at TGS 2013

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According to CVG (linked above), Sony is preparing to reveal the final piece of its PlayStation 4 hardware strategy at TGS (Tokyo Game Show) 2013 by showcasing a PlayStation-branded virtual reality headset for the upcoming PS4 console.

To quote: "It originally intended to reveal the headset at Gamescom but plans fell through at the eleventh hour. The company is currently weighing up whether the PS4 device should be pitched as a key differentiator for the console or a non-essential add-on.

The matter has been slightly complicated, but not derailed, by the growing industry support for Oculus Rift. Sony's device will be a categorical rival to Oculus, and for months there have been rumours suggesting the two companies are seeking a partnership.

A games developer familiar with Sony's plans, who wished to remain anonymous, told CVG that Evolution Studios is currently working with the device to simulate a cockpit view on its PS4 title Drive Club.

Another developer claimed the virtual reality headset resembles the 3D headset that Sony first revealed in January 2011. The head-mounted display will be available separately, like with the new PlayStation Eye, in order to keep the baseline PS4 price as low as possible.

In August, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida suggested to CVG that R&D work on such devices was currently underway.

"Y'know, we're Sony, so we have lots of different things and different ideas in R&D," he said when asked if the corporation was building a VR headset.

"When it come to researching things, we are doing a lot of things that we can't talk about."

Sony intends to showcase over 50 PlayStation titles at the Tokyo Game Show. That includes more than ten PS4 games such as Knack and Capcom's Deep Down, which was recently revealed to be an online title." The Tokyo Game Show runs from September 19 to 22.

Finally, for those curious, Sony's HMZ headset was first pitched as an ideal Stereoscopic 3D viewer and costs around £1000 in the UK.